Louis van Gaal is upbeat about Manchester United's chances in the FA Cup and Europa League ahead of their clash against LiverpoolGetty

Manchester United legend Bryan Robson believes the Red Devils can progress into the next round of the Europa League by emulating their performance against Barcelona at Old Trafford 32 years ago in 1984. The Red Devils came into the second leg trailing the tie 2-0 but put in a scintillating performance coupled with steel and character to win the leg 3-0 and crash Barcelona out of the European Cup Winners Cup.

United need a similar performance from their stalwarts if they have to keep the run alive and someone has to emulate Robson, who scored twice to achieve what looked like an impossible feat before the game. The task at hand then was a much more difficult proposition compared to the Liverpool side at this point, with Barcelona then boasting the likes of Diego Maradona, who is acclaimed as one of the best players to have ever graced the pitch.

This was not the only time that United have overturned a two goal deficit to progress into the next round, having done it a combination of four times before and Robson believes there is still a good chance that the Red Devils can turn this tie around and make history at Old Trafford. The legend has urged the fans to create an unprecedented atmosphere at Old Trafford, which would help the team gain confidence ahead of the fixture.

"It would be our greatest win over Liverpool if we could do it — and we did it against Barcelona, so it shows it is doable," said Robson, as quoted by the Mirror. "For me, that was the best atmosphere inside Old Trafford I've witnessed. It was a great night to come back against a top team like Barcelona and beat them 3-0.

"What they've got to do is concentrate on getting it back to 2-0 [on the night]. Don't be thinking you've got to win the game 3-0 right from the off. If it's got to go into extra-time, so be it.

"It would be nice to score a goal in the first half. You've got to go for the game, but you don't want Liverpool to score because then it would be all over.

"If the fans get right behind the team, players respond to that. Big players love a great atmosphere, especially on your home soil. If you get that atmosphere going and we get an early goal, then it can be done."